Patek Philippe. A fine and rare 18K white gold manual wind perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phase

Ref: 5970G, Circa 2007

Footnotes

The 5970 is popularly considered to be one of the most successful models in Pateks perpetual calendar chronograph journey. Fitted with the last lemania based movement before switching to in-house, the 5970 represents that balance between heritage and modernity, making it very wearable for such a complicated timepiece.

Hailing from one of the most illustrious lineages in modern watchmaking, the 5970 claims the 1518, 2499, 3970, 5004 and 5020 as its forebears. Compared with its predecessors, the 5970 provides the opportunity to appreciate the model for what it is with no major design amendments during its short 7 year production period. The dial and case, with limited special exceptions, came in just one configuration, something that collectors looking in search of their holy grail can find refreshing.

The 5970 was also Thierry Sterns opportunity to prove himself a real creator with this his first contribution to the perpetual calendar chronograph dynasty. Without doubt he succeeded in creating a masterpiece and the influence of earlier examples can be recognised in the models success – be it the rectangular pushers of the 1518, the lessons learned with the 3970 tachymetre or the stylish lug inspiration from the Patek Philippe back catalogue. The popularity of this model warranted a much longer production period if the stars had not aligned leading to the cut-off by the Swatch group over access to their ebauches. This limitation was the catalyst for Patek to finally go full measure with their in-house calibre CH 29‑535 PS Q thus leaving behind any reliance on other manufacturers for any of their movements.